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Measuring heightened attention to alcohol in a naturalistic setting: A validation study
Ramey G Monem1, Mark T Fillmore1
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology
|December 19, 2017
Summary
This study reveals how attentional bias to alcohol develops in real-world settings. Heavier drinkers showed increased focus on alcoholic beverages over time, suggesting a key factor in alcohol abuse.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Attentional bias towards alcohol stimuli is linked to substance abuse.
- Previous research primarily used lab-based image tasks.
- Understanding in-vivo attentional bias is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess attentional bias to alcohol in a naturalistic environment.
- To investigate the development of attentional bias over time.
- To correlate attentional bias with drinking habits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized portable eye-tracking glasses for in-vivo data collection.
- Participants explored a room with alcohol and neutral beverages.
- Measured fixation time to different stimuli across two sessions.
Main Results:
- Initially, fixation times to alcohol and neutral beverages were similar.
- In the second session, fixation time decreased for neutral but not alcohol stimuli.
- Attentional bias magnitude correlated positively with heavier drinking.
Conclusions:
- Attentional bias to alcohol can emerge and strengthen in ecological settings.
- Sustained attention to alcohol and reduced attention to other stimuli contribute to bias.
- This provides an in-vivo model for understanding alcohol attentional bias development.
